Gateway Bank’s Reindeer Run 5K DEC. 10, 2016

For Gateway Bank of Central Florida Chief Executive Officer Tom Ingram, becoming involved with the BHRS was an easy decision.

“We have always been very pro-healthy living here at Gateway, so the Big Hammock’s health community initiative was definitely a draw to become a sponsor of the series,” says Ingram. “We have sponsored the Reindeer Run since 2013. The race starts and finishes at the bank, which then provides a great location to watch the annual Christmas parade. We thought becoming part of the BHRS would be a great way to grow the race.”

Ingram has been happy with the results on all counts.

“There is no doubt that the BHRS has motivated more people to become more physically active. The series is open to everyone of all ages, walkers as well as runners,” he says. “And we’ve definitely seen more participants in the Reindeer Run thanks to the BHRS. This has helped us attract more sponsors for the race, which means more money raised for the community charities we support.”

Although most races give to their respective charities from net race entry proceeds once expenses have been met, Gateway Bank utilizes a different method.

“With the Reindeer Run, the race entry money pays for expenses,” says Ingram. “But money raised from our sponsors is kept separate, and that money is earmarked only for the charity fund. This allows us to give more directly to the charities.”

In 2015, the first season of the BHRS, money raised by Reindeer Run sponsors went to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Marion County ($20,000) and Young Life Marion County ($10,000). In 2016, Young Life Marion County will be the Reindeer Run’s benefiting charity.

It should be noted that Gateway Bank also has another role in the BHRS, serving as the host for the series’ season-ending awards party.

“We are very pleased to be a part of the BHRS in all our roles,” says Ingram. “Participating in the BHRS is a great way to be healthier and give back to the community at the same time.”

Ocala Marathon/Half Marathon/5K JAN. 15, 2017

Iggy’s Four On The Fourth JUL. 4, 2017

“The partnership with the BHRS has definitely been positive,” says Chris Moling, president of the Citrus Road Runners Club and race director for the Ocala Marathon weekend. “While we focus on bringing runners from all over the country to Ocala for the marathon weekend, the BHRS has done a great job of increasing the number of local participants. And that has been a tremendous

BY THE NUMBERS: BHRS Impact SEASON 1

Turkey Trot 5K/10K

BHRS drove 153 new people to the Turkey Trot, which translates to approximately $3,825 in race entry fees.

Reindeer Run 5K help to us in growing the event.”

BHRS drove 161 new people to the Reindeer Run, which translates to approximately $4,025 in race entry fees.

As for the funds raised for charities, Moling is quick to point out that “more participants means more race entries money and more money, after expenses, that we can pass on to our causes.

“The Citrus Road Runners Club uses net proceeds from a total of six events, including the Ocala Marathon weekend races, to raise money for its beneficiaries,” adds Moling. “The CCRC provides funding and support to Citrus County youth running programs, scholarships, support to high school students and contributes to Road Runners Club of America for elementary students in school running programs.”

Moling is also the race director for Ocalabased Iggy’s Four On The Fourth.

“The funds raised by the Four On The Fourth go directly to the Ocala-based Veterans Memorial Park and the American Cancer Society’s We Can Weekend,” says Moling.

Ocala Marathon/Half Marathon/5K

BHRS drove 146 new people to the Ocala Marathon weekend races, which translates to approximately $5,467 in race entry fees.

Live Oak International 5K (SEASON 1)

Blueberry Horseshoe 5K (SEASON 2)/FEB. 19, 2017

Donnelly was the race director for Live Oak International 5K, which in the BHRS Season 1 raised money for the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) Florida. More than 40 counties, including Marion County, are served by NAMI Florida.

“We had 620 registered with 536 finishers at the Live Oak event,” says Donnelly. “That is absolutely unheard of participation for a first-year event. The BHRS drove 297 people to the Live Oak event for a total of $9,652 in race entry fees. And the Live Oak International 5K raised $55,000 for NAMI Florida.”

In the BHRS Season 2, the new Blueberry Horseshoe 5K will raise funds for NAMI Florida and NAMI Marion County.

“We are very excited about the Blueberry Horseshoe 5K,” says Donnelly. “The race is going to be held at Lambholm South, a beautiful Thoroughbred farm in northwest Marion County. Just like Live Oak Stud was a beautiful setting, so is Lambholm South. It’ll be a great day for all participants.”